NHL Season Preview: St. Louis Blues II

St. Louis Blues


Last Season's standings: record- 21-46-15 for 57 points. The Blues had the undesireable label of being the worst team in the NHL last year (5th in the Central Division, 15th in the Western Conference, 30th in the NHL).

In: Dallas Drake F; Jay McKee D (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Doug Weight F (prev. team: Carolina Hurricanes); Dan Hinote F (prev. team: Colorado Avalanche); Petr Cajanak F; Martin Rucinsky F (prev. team: NY Rangers); Manny Legace G (prev. team: Detroit Red Wings); Christian Backman D; Jamie Rivers D (prev. team: Phoenix Coyotes); Radek Dvorak F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers)

Out: Patrick Lalime G (new team: Chicago Blackhawks); Kevin Dallman D (new team: LA Kings); Mark Rycroft F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Jeff Hoggan F (new team: Boston Bruins); Mike Zigomanis F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Mike Boulerice F (new team: Carolina Hurricanes); Dean McAmmond F (new team: Ottawa Senators)

Season Outlook: Poor. The Blues are coming off a disastrous year last season where they finished dead last in the NHL. They made a big splash in the off-season, re-acquiring veteran center Doug Weight who will bring wealths of experience to this team, being fresh off a stanley cup run that resulted in a championship. They also signed key forwards Martin Rucinsky, Dan Hinote and Jay McKee. Goaltending is still a question mark, although Legace is definitely an upgrade over the departed Patrick Lalime. The Blues lack depth up the middle and on the left side. Goaltending will be the determining factor as to how far this team goes

Season Prediction: The Blues will finish the 06-07 season in 13th place in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Central Division.